Fire-extinguishing apparatus.



E. R. BRODTON.

FIRE EXTINGUISHING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED 1u1v16, 1913.

3 SHEETS-SHEET I.

E. R. BRODTON.

FIRE EXTINGDISHING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION F1LEDJULY16,19I3.

' Patented J une 15, 1915 a SHEETSSHEET '2.

E. R. BRODTQN. FIRE EXTINGUISHING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FlLED1ULYl6,t913.

Patented June 15, 1915.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3- dif/ messes.

v air as PATENT cannon.

EDWARD R. BRODTON, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ASSIGNOR, BY lfiRECT AND MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO AUTOMATIC CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND ALARM COMPANY, OF WASHINGTON, ID IlISTFtIG'I.v OF COLUMBIA, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, EDWARD R. BRoD'roN, acitizen of the United States, residing at lVashington, in the District of Columbia, have invented certain new and-useful Improvements in Fire-Extinguishing Apparatus, of which the following is a specification. J j

This invention relates to fire extinguishing apparatus in which the'extinguishing fluid, whether a chemical or w ter, is auto matically discharged upon th fire by the opening of sprinkler heads applied to the pipes when a fireproduced temperature exists.

The object is.to provide an apparatus of high efiiciency whichwill be certain to operate under the conditions intended and will not accidentally operate.

In its best form the invention contemplates the use of a fire extinguishing fluid supplied through pipes that run to the various parts of the structure to be protected, a building, or a ship, for example, and such fluid in the pipes is under an initial pressure, and an expelling pressure is supplied by a gas generated'in a suitable tank, as by mixture of sulfuric acid and bicarbonate of soda, this mixture being automatically effected. I

In the drawingsFigure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a form of my invention applied to the rooms of a building; Fig. 2 is a section of the portion of the apparatus; Fig. 3 is a detail view of an alarm or signal device that may be used; Figs. 4 and 5 are, rcspectivelv, detail views in end and side elevation of the mechanism that controls the communication between the sulfuric acid and the soda solution holders; Fig. 6 is a detail View showing the mechanism by which the system is automaticallv thrown out of operation; Fig. 7 is a detail view in section of a diaphragm form of operating device.

In this system, a tank 6 is provided which tank is adapted to contain a. fire extinguishing liquid. The liquid contained in this tank may consist of pyrene or like chemical, which will be absolutelv harmless to anv materials contained in the rooms in which the system is located. Leading from the bottom ,of the tank 5 is a main pipe 0, which pipe isprovided with a plurality of branch pipes 20, these branch pipes being connected Specification of Letters Patent.

Application ina July 11%,1913.

FIRE-EXTINGUISHING APPARATUS.

Patented June as, rare. Serial No. Water.

at one end of the main pipe 0 and at the opposite end to a pipe 0. Located between the extremities of the pipes 20 are a plurality of thermal valves 2, these valves having communication with the interior of the pipe 20, and being adapted to discharge the liquid contained therein when the temperature of the room rises to apredetermined point, this being caused by the presence of fire in the room.

Leading from the top of the tank 5 is a pipe 0 said pipe having a horizontal bend within which is placed a suitable check valve of the bypass type and which is designated by the letter Z. This pipe has a vertical extension 0 upon. the upper extrem ty of which is a glass air dome s. Communicatmg with the vertical extension 0 of the pipe 0 is a pipe 79 having a valve 7), which pipe aifords means by which the liquid is introduced into the tank I). Carried by the pipe 7) is a tubular member '1' provided with a valve (1, the purpose of which will be hereinafter set forth. Connected to the pipe 0 is a branch pipe 0 which extends horizontallv therefrom and has a vertical extension o and a second horizontal extension 0 which .hook portion engages in an eye 32' in a weighted lever 33, more clearly shown in Fig. 7. i

Connected to the soda solution tank a by means of a pipe 7' is a tank (Z, which tank is adapted to contain sulfuric orother acid capable of generating a fire extinguishing gas, this tank being filled with acid through the aperture 19 in the top thereof. Also communicating with the soda solution tank and with the top of the acid containing receptacle at a point above the level of the acid contained therein is a pipe 5 controlled hv a check valve 7 and a turning plug is. This sliding valve in also controls the passage of as pyrene, the filling of the system being indicated by the level of the chemical in the vertical extension r carried by the pipe 1). Since the level of the chemical is visible in the vertical extension 1', the valve 1 is out OK to prevent the overflowing of the liquid contained in the system. By further forcing of liquid" into the system all of the air remaining in the air dome s is compressed therein, which pressure is used in the forcing of the liquid from the system in case of operation of the thermal valves 2.

Pyrene, or a chemical of like nature, is

. particularly adapted to a fire extinguishing system for the reason that it would not be destructible to any materials contained in the room or compartment with which it might come in contact, and furthermore it contains elements which not only prevent its freezing and disabling the system, but also will not to any'great extent afi'ect the pipes of the system regardless of the material from which it might -be made. The pressure of the chemical in the pipes 0, 0 20 and 0 will be sufiicient to keep the piston 25 to its seat, and thus prevent any operation of the device.

Supposing a fire to break out in any one of the compartments, in which is located one of the pipes 20 which carry the thermal valves 2, the increase in temperature of said compartment will cause the valves to fuse, thus opening them and permitting a discharge of the chemical contained in the system and in the tank b. Upon the discharge of this chemical, the reduced pressure on the piston 25 permits/the spring 35 to operate the same, thus rocking the member 27 on its pivot 28 to the position shown in full lines in Fig. 2. Such a movement of the member 27 releases the member 30 which swings upon its pivot 29 and disengages its hooked lower extremity from the eye 32 in the weighted lever, thus releasing the same and upon the release thereof said weighted lever swings on its pivot to operate the valve 70 and move the same tothe position shown in Fig. 2. This permits of aflow of the sulfuric or other acid containedin the tank 01 through the pipe a gas that rises, and by means of a passage a 5', ltion to j and through the perforations 25, thus'thoroughly mixing the same with the soda solutlon contained in the tanka, which generates passes out through the pipe 0 valve 28, and pipe 40 to the tank Z), wherein it acts to force the chemical contained in said tank through the system to the opened valves 2.

By reference to Fig. 6 it will be seen that means is provided to automatically out ofl any flow of soda solution from the tank a to the tank I), if desired, this mechanism consisting of a dome-shaped member 0 within which is vertically movable a rod or the like 0 which rod has a screw threaded upper extremity which carries a thumb 0 Mounted on this rod is a valve member 0 adapted to engage the seat 0 and shut ofl any flow of soda solution into the tank 72. Connected near the bottom of this rod is a float 0 which is submerged in the liquid contained in'tank Z2, and it will be seenthat so long as this tank contains any 1i uid, the valve 0 will remain unseated. owever, upon draining of'the tank Z), the float falls, thus permitting the valve to seat. If the thumb nut 0 be adjusted near the center of the threaded portion of the rod 0 it will upon falling of the float engage the outer face of the upper wall of the casing 0? thus preventingthe valve from seating.

Referring to Fig. 2,'it will be seen that as the gas generated in the tank a increases, it will force the soda solution from the tank a through the bypass 2' opening the check valve 7 and entering the tank at above the level of the acid contained therein. This increase of pressure in -the soda solution tank causes the soda solution contained therein to back up into the acid receptacle, and when the pressure in the acid receptacle and soda solution tank equalizes, a further flow of the acid into the'soda solution tank takes place.

As the chemical in the tank cl is forced into the soda solution tank, the pressure in the tank d is decreased, while the pressure in the soda solution tank a, owing to the increased amount of chemical being forced 'thereinto, has increased. This increase of pressure in the tank a causes a repetition of the aforementioned operation, thus charging the chemical tank 0! with a portion of the soda solution contained in the tank a in order that the chemicalin the tank (Z may be forced against the increase of pressure in the tank a. I

As will be seen inFig. 2, an extension 2 of the pipe 0 1 extends down into the soda solution tank a, this pipe being provided with a valve (1 of the three-way type. which valve may be turned so as to shut 01f communication of the pipe 0 with the bypass a and when this valve 0, is in this position the gas generated in the soda solution tank a will force the soda solution contained therein out through the pipe a, pipe '0, through the cook 28, pipe 40 and to the tank 5. It is the object of this construcuse the soda solution to force the near their junction with races as follows: compartment or 11g tohfig. 6, it will be seen that p t 4 the spring pressed piston a diaphragm it can. be used, the edges of this being secured between the meetof a casing w'f, and having the pietonrod connected at its central point as shown. at :03. will be seen that it the pressure is decreased upon the right hand side of the diaphragm the spring will move the rcd'to tri the weighted lever; I

.lfirom the foregoing it will be seen that have devised a system in which provision is made for the extinguishing of fire by means of afiuid chemical, and for a continuousoperation by soda solution should the fluid chemical be insufficient to completely eatinguish'the fire.

Branching from the pipe 0' is a casing w which carries a piston similar to the piston 25, this piston operating a latch 20 similar o the latch 30, which latch w holds the ;veigl1tcd lever wa in a position to maintain the valve w closed. However, after the complete exhaustion of the liquid chemical contained in the tank 2) and the gas generated in the soda solution tank a, a reduction of pressure in the system will cause the operation of the last mentioned latch operating means to drop the weighted lever w, thus opening the valve 20 whichis located in the water main and permit a flow of water through the pipe at, tank a, pipe 0 and the threcwvay with the pipe 40 it passes through the pipe 40, tank Z2, pipe 0, and c to the pipe or and from thence to the pipes 20 where it is discharged through the open valves 2, the three-way cook 10' be to communicate with the pipes 0 0 and cylinder to. The course of the water, however, may be changed to flow through the pipe 0, c to the pipe 0 by the setting of the cock 28. This, however, ,will be unnecessary in most cases, since the tanks a and b will be of a capacity sufiicient to extinguish a fire in most cases. It, for any reason, however, the

. generation of gas in the soda solution tank a should be prevented, such a condition would not prevent the flow of water through the pipe 21;, through tank a, and from thence through the rest of the system, but would take place just the same upon the reduction of pressure in the system, and the operation of the latch releasing member w.

Located in each of the extensions 20, and the main pipe 0, is a valve y, this valve being maintained normally in its opened position to permit ofa free flow of the fire extinguishing liquid therethrough. The purpose of this valve is A fire having broken out in the room, and the system set in see cock 28 being set to communicate chemical will immediately operation, the chemical is discharged from the thermal nozzles 2, as before stated, but when'the fire in said compartment has become extinguished, a person entering the room may close the system, or throw the same out of operation, merely by closing the aforementioned valve which valve is maintained in its closed position until new thermal sprinkle heads 2 can be substituted for the ones which were fused by the pres ence of fire in said compartmennt, Whereupon the valve is again opened and the pipe 20 is permitted to fill with the fire exam guishing chemical.

Located adjacent the aforementioned valves 3 in each of the pipes or branches20 is a check valve 2', the purpose of which is as follows: These check valves 2 permit the passage of the fire extinguishing chemical through them in one direction only, and it will, therefore, tion of the thermal nozzles 2 in any one of the branches 20, these check valves 2 provide the means by which the other branches 20 in adjoining compartments or rooms are prevented from draining of the fire extinguishing chemical contained therein, and all the provision of the valves 17 and 5 is necesnot. pass backsary since the fluid would wardly through the valves 2.

Connected to the pipe 0 is a valve 11, and to this valve 11 is connected a hose 22 which is suitably supported. by ahook 13. Connected to the pipe is a suitable catch or the like 12,- which also "aids in the sup-porting of the hose.

13 and the spring catch 12, the valve 11 is automatically opened, this being due tcan engagement of the hose with the valve lever, and the fire extinguishing begin to pass through the aforementioned hose 22. This part of my system may be put in use provided a fire is discovered in any of the rooms before the automatic nozzles 2 have had time to set the system into operation.

Branching oil from the pipe 20 and starting at a point between the valve. y and the check valve 2 is a pipe 1, which pipe may lead to a compartment on the same floor with the pipe 20. This pipe or extension 1 is provided with a check valve 1&- similar to the check valves 2 before mentioned, and it is the purpose of this check valve 14 to prebe seen that upon-the opera" Upon. the removal of the hose from its hook llO vent the discharge of fire extinguishing .chemical from the pipe 1 should a fire occur which -would affect the automatic nozzles carried by the pipe 1.

Connected to the pipe'p is an indicator 24, which indicator, by suitable means of Wiring, is connected to an audible signal I) and a visual signal c. It is the purpose of this indicator to announce by the operation of the said-audible and visual signals any reduction of pressure in the system behind the valve Z which may be due to leakage or other causes. A similar indicator u is connected with the tank 7) and by means of suitable wiring is connected to audible and visual signals to indicate the fall or rise of pressure in the tank 6. This fall or rise of pressure in the tank b would be due only to an accidental leakage of acid contained in the tank (Z, which acid would pass into the soda solution tank a, thus generating a gas. By this arrangement will be seen that I have provided means for indicating any reduction of pressure in the system which causes the device to be inoperative.

Connected to the main pipe 0 of the system is a casing m within which casing is a spring pressed piston, which upon the reduction of pressure 1n the .system moves the member 15 connected thereto to operate the hell it and a visual signal 0, this being shown in Fig.- 1. This signal not only operates to indicate the reduction of pressure in the system due to leakage or the like, but will also indicate the presence of fire and the operation of the system, since a reduction of pressure cannot be caused-therein by the operation of the system or a leakage therein.

Located at different points on the pipe 0 are similar casings e which also carry spring pressed pistons which are adapted to move upon a reduction of pressure in the system to operate suitable signals 2 2", and 2, it being the object of these signals to tell in just which compartment the fire is located by the number of taps given thereby, which is accomplished by suitable mechanism provided in each bell.

In the same circuit with the audible signals 2, 2", 2, and the audible signals 11 and visual signals 1) is a siren or the like V, which is also intended'to indicate the presence of fire upon the operation of any of the signals 2, 2*, 2.

Referring again to Fig. 2, it will be seen that pipe 0 is provided with a check valve 0, which check valve is held to its seat by means of the liquid contained in the bank I), and which is forced from its seat upon the generation of gas in the top of the soda solution tank a, which gas will not be generated, however. until sufficient of the chemical has DilS". 'l out of the system to reduce the pressure on the piston 25, which reduction of pressure, as before stated, will set into operation the'mechanisrn which discharges the acid contained in tank cl into the body of soda solution contained in tank a.

I will now describe another method of operation of my system in which I use air pressure in lieu of a generating gas toforce the chemical from the tank I). In this methodof operation I dispense with the chemical tank (Z and the operating mechanism dis; closed in Fig. '2, and adjust the tension of the spring controlled piston in the casing w so that upon thereduction of pressure in the system theilatch 'w is released, thus opening the tank (Z into the tank a for the'purpose 1 v of generating a. gas.

What I claim is: I 1. A fire extinguishing system comprising in combination a source of supply of an extinguishing fluid, a discharge pipe leading Y therefrom that has an outlet, thecontents of said pipe being kept under a pressure tending to cause the efilux thereof from the pipe, means that normally hold the pipe outlet closed against such efilux, holders or receptacles for separately holding chemicals.

which when brought together generate a pressure-producing gas, a connection between one of said receptacles and the source of supply of extinguishing fluid for transmitting the gas pressure to the latter, a device for controlling the com'mingling of the chemical contents of the receptacles, and

.means establishing communication between said'discharge pipeand said device to cause the operation of said device to cause the commingling. of the chemical contents of the receptacles, when the pressure in the discharge pipe is reduced by the opening of its outlet.

2. A the extinguishing system comprising in combination a source of supply of an extinguishing fluid, a discharge pipe leading therefrom that has an outlet, the contents of said pipe being kept under a pressure tending to cause the efllux thereof from the pipe, means that normally hold the pipe outlet closed against such efilux, a pair of tanks or separately holding chemicals which when brought together generate pressure-producing gas, means for establishing communication between said tanks, a pipe connecting one of said tanks and-the, source of ply of extinguishing fluid for transmitting the gas pressure to the latter, a device controlling the communication between the pair its iaeaiee of tanks, and means establishing communito open communication between the pair of h.

tanks when the pressure in the discharge pipe is reduced by theopening of its outlet.

3. A fire extinguishing system comprising in combination a holder fona fire extinguish.- ing fluid, a discharge that has'an outlet, being kept under a the eiilux thereof from the pipe, means that normallyfhold the pipe. outlet closed against such efiux, a pair of tanks for separately holding chemicals which when brought together generate a pressure-producing gas, .a pipe leading from one of said tanks and branching to connect with said holder and the contentsoi said pipe with said discharge pipe respectively, means in combination that runs to said tank,

for establishing communication between said pair of tanks, a device controlling such communication and itself exposed to the pressure within the discharge pipe and acting upon reduction of such pressure toopen the communication between the two tanks.

4. A fire extinguishing system comprising a source of supply of an extinguishing fluid, a discharge pipe leading therefrom that has an outlet, the contents of said pipe being kept under a pressure tending to cause the efilux thereof from the pipe, means, that normally hold the pipe outlet closed against such efliux, a pipe connecting the same and the source of supply of fire extinguishing fluid, means for causing the production of pressure in said tank, including a normally closed pipe and means to open said normally closed pipe acting upon re duction of such pressure in the discharge pipe. I Y

5. A fire extinguishing system comprising in combination a source of'supply of an extinguishing fluid, a discharge pipe leading therefrom that has an outlet, the contents of said pipe being kept under a pressure tending to cause the efiiux thereof from the pipe,

means that normally hold the pipe outlet closed against such efiux, a pressure tank, a pipe connecting the same and the source of supply offire extinguishing fluid, means for causing the production of pressure in said tank, including a normally closed pipe that runs to said tank, and means to open said normally closed pipe including a device exl posed to the pressure within the discharge pipe, and acting upon reduction of such pressure in the discharge pipe.

6. A fire extinguishing system comprising in combination a source of supply of-an extinguishing fluid, a discharge pipe leading therefrom that has an outlet, the contents of said pipe being kept under a pressure tending to cause the efilux thereof from the pipe, means that normally hold the pipe outpressure tending to cause a pressure tank,

let closedagainst such etliux, apressure tank, a pipe connecting the same and the source of supply of fire extinguishing fluid, normally inactive means for causing the production of pressure in said tank, and a device that renders said pressure-producing means active that isexposed to the pressure Within the discharge pipe, and acts 'on repipe leading theretroni-ductign of suclr-pressure in the discharge pipe upon the opening of its outlet.

7 A fire extinguishing system comprising in combination a holder for extinguishing fluid, a discharge pipe leading therefrom that has an outlet, means fluid in the holder and pipe to a pressure that causes the fluid to tend to eifiux from the pipe outlet, means normally holding the outlet closed, a pressure tank communicating with said fluid holder, normally inactive means for causing the production of pressure in said tank, and a device that renders said pressure producing means active that is exposed'to the pressure Withinthe discharge pipe, and acts on reduction of such pressure in the discharge pipe upon the opening of its outlet.

8. A fire extinguishing system comprising in combination, a fire extinguishing chemical tank, a discharge pipe leading therefrom, a plurality of discharge pipes branching off from said discharge pipe, a soda solution tank, a pipe communicating the soda solution tank with thechemical tank, a pipe connecting said pipe with the first-mentioned discharge pipe, an acid receptacle adjacent the soda FOllltlOH tank, and means carried by the last-mentioned pipe adapted to discharge the acid into the soda solution tank upon reduction of pressure in said lastmentioned pipe for the purpose of generating a gas to forcethe chemical from the chemical containing tank.

for subjecting the 9. A fire extinguishing system comprising i in combination, cal tank, from, a plurality of discharge pipes branching from the first-mentioned discharge pipe, a soda solution tank communicating with the fire ext nguishing chemical tank, an acid receptacle adjacent to the soda solution tank, a water supply connected to said soda solution tank, means upon reduction of pressure in the system for precipitating the acid insaid acid receptacle into the soda solution tank, and means upon a further reduction of pressure operating to communicate the water supply with the soda solution tank, as and for the purpose set forth.

10. A fire extinguishing system comprising in combination, a fire extinguishing chemical tank, a main discharge pipe leading therefrom, a plurality of discharge pipes branching from the first-mentioned discharge pipe, a soda solution tank, a pipe connecting the soda solution tank with the a fire extinguishing chemia discharge pipe leading theremesses main discharge pipe, at third pipe connecting said last-mentioned pipe with the fire er:-

' Water main connected to said soda' solution tank, means operating upon reduction of pressure in the system to precipitate the acid contained in the acid receptacle into the soda solution tank for generating a gas to expel the fire extinguishing chemical from the firstrmentioned tank, and means operated upon further reduction of pressure in the system to communicate the Water main With the soda-solution tank for the purpose of forcing the soda solution "from said tank through the system.

11. A fire extinguishing system compi ising in combination, a fire extinguishing chemical tank, a discharge pipe leading therefrom, a soda solution tank, a pipe communicating said soda solution tank with the discharge pipe before mentioned, a branch pipe connecting said last-mentioned pipe with the fire extinguishing chemical tank, an acid receptacle adjacent the soda solution tank, and means operated upon a reduction of pressure in the system for dischargingthe acid. in said acid receptacle into the soda solution tank to generate a gas for forcing the fire extinguishing chemical from said tank, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I afix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

EDWARD n. siaonron.

Witnesses ADAM R. GARD, PHILIP B'QETTNER- 

